Upper Elementary Lead Teacher
Berkwood Hedge • Berkeley
Berkwood Hedge School is seeking excellent candidates for a full-time Upper Elementary Lead Teacher position for the 2022/23 school year.
Berkwood Hedge School’s curriculum is based on the understanding that children construct their knowledge of the world through hands-on, integrated, and active child-centered learning experiences. The strength of the Berkwood Hedge School constructivist and developmental approach is that it allows children to be creative participants in their own learning. Our teachers support their growth and development across the cognitive, physical, social and moral domains.
The successful candidate will:
Work enthusiastically to plan and implement all aspects of the curriculum based on current knowledge of constructivism
Collaborate effectively with colleagues in all aspects of student learning
Maintain active and open communication with parents/guardians of the children and with all members of the Berkwood Hedge School community
Wholeheartedly support and manifest the Berkwood Hedge mission of social justice and equity
Be creative, innovative, flexible, and responsive
Have a teaching credential
Have a sense of humor
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Three years of classroom teaching experience at the elementary level
Deep understanding and appreciation for progressive/constructivist education
Strong communication skills with both children and adults
REQUIRED SKILLS
Experience planning and implementing a differentiated and integrated curriculum
Ability to develop and align a project based constructivist curriculum
Capacity to focus on the whole child, intentionally developing each individual academically, physically, emotionally, and socially
Ability to create and sustain positive teacher-parent relationships with frequent, engaging, and informative communication
Ability to exercise daily flexibility by wearing many hats, prioritizing, and problem solving while maintaining a poised professional demeanor
Willingness to embrace global thinking and learning that helps expand circles of influence by seeking geographic and cultural opportunities that grow students’ cultural competency
Ability to utilize sound and developmentally appropriate educational practices related to technology
PREFERRED SKILLS
Experience developing, planning, and implementing:
Project-Based Learning
Experience planning and implementing and differentiating Lucy Calkins writing and reading workshop
Bridges II Math program, and integrating Math in The City and other math projects
Social emotional learning, social justice, and service learning.
Using assessment to inform differentiated instruction, content, processes, and products
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Love of children and understanding of child development
Collaborative, creative, and curious nature
Maturity, professionalism, and good judgment
Willingness and capacity to assume a wide range of responsibilities
Interested in learning new skills and engaged in continuous improvement of practice
Excellent organizational and time management skills
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain and support a climate of mutual respect which encourages students to take healthy risks: asking questions, sharing opinions, and making mistakes necessary to learn
Accurately assess each student's progress; inform student, parents, and the Head of School immediately of any relevant information
Cultivate each student's creativity, intellectual curiosity, social-emotional development in an academically rich and relevant context
At Berkwood Hedge School, a teacher's engagement includes various activities in addition to teaching and classroom duties, such as giving extra help to students who need it, communicating feedback directly to the Head of School, encouragement of the efforts of colleagues, concern for the appearance of the classroom and of the grounds, promptness in meeting all school obligations and flexibility and cooperation in supporting our school’s advancement. Attendance at school events and activities, such as plays, concerts, festivals, and fairs, staff meetings, and open houses is required.
This position is full time and starts mid-August 2022. We look for candidates who thrive on ownership, service, creativity and collaboration. For more information about Berkwood Hedge School, please visit us at berkwood.org. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. We will accept applications until the position is filled. Interviews will begin immediately. Please submit cover letter and resume to Love Weinstock, Head of School at employment@berkwood.org. Cover letter REQUIRED. Resumes received without a cover letter will not be considered.
Berkwood Hedge School actively seeks to build a diverse student, staff and parent community. We are an avid equal opportunity employer and seek applicants who reflect the rich diversity of the Bay Area. We do not discriminate on the basis of basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, family-care status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
